Robert J. Crounse
Robert J. Crounse
ROOT, N.Y. — Robert J. Crounse — a Vietnam veteran, a truck driver, and a father — died at his residence on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021. He was 74.
He was born on March 13, 1947, in Schenectady to Chester Crounse and Thelma (née Constable) Crounse. A long-time Altamont resident, he graduated from Guilderland High School in 1965.
He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and was stationed in England and Vietnam before his honorable discharge in 1969. He spent most of his career after the war as an over-the-road truck driver until his retirement more than a decade ago.
“Always quick with a joke or a story, Robert is fondly remembered by his family and friends,” his family wrote in a tribute.
He is survived by his son, Nicholas Crounse, as well as his brother, Frank Crounse, and his sister, Diane (née Crounse) Trencansky. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, his older brother, David Crounse, died before him.
He was interred with a military ceremony at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
Memorial messages may be left at www.altamontenterprise.com/milestones.
Nick,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you; what an unexpected and immense loss this must be for you. For close to twenty years, we were neighbors in Sprakers (Root), a quarter mile apart, and remained friends after I moved.
A few recollections ....
With his knowledge of nature, he knew when the female turtles would bury their eggs by his driveway and he protected the area, counting the days until they hatched. This is only one example of his love of nature and her inhabitants; the birds who would land on his hand, the rabbits showing up daily for bread, and the tree frog hanging out in the rafters of his porch are others. He enjoyed many hours observing pond life with his binoculars.
When it came to machinery, he could explain how every piece in the Altamont Fair collection operated. He loved Art Bell’s program and would excitedly share the possibilities of what’s “out there” with anyone. He could identify any aircraft, explaining why the white trail it left was the shape and size it was. He took time to remember friends lost when the Vietnam Wall display was in the area. He walked my old dog, Duncan, over Lynk St. and back and when Duncan got stuck in a snowdrift, he didn’t hesitate to trudge in to scoop him out; that walk/loop has been called “the Duncan loop” since. He loved to share truck driver stories with other OTR drivers. He loved meeting your grandmother’s friends at Altamont senior citizens’ lunches, having them line up for a kiss, and joking they each owed $1.00. He also loved peanut butter cups, IPAs, and lots of ketchup on fries.
I consider myself fortunate to have called him a friend. He was, quite simply, an extraordinary human being. You can always say, with great pride, you are Bob Crounse’s son.
I am deeply sorry for your loss,
Jeanne (B. Plauth)
Duanesburg, NY
Rest in peace "Mr C". Thanks for letting me be your friend.